One of the most dynamic advocates for the power of research and education to inspire collaboration and create solutions for global challenges has been selected as the University of Vermont’s 2023 commencement speaker. The Honorable Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), will address UVM’s newest graduates at the University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 21.
Panchanathan, Michele Cohen ’72 and Dr. Mark Levine will receive honorary degrees during the University Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 21.
Panchanathan has a distinguished career in science, technology, engineering and education spanning more than three decades. He has led NSF, a $9.5 billion independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education, since 2020.
“In addition to being a brilliant scientist and a committed public servant, Dr. Panchanathan is one of the warmest and most engaging leaders I know,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “His advocacy for building global connections, for welcoming people of all backgrounds into education and research, and for advancing discovery for the greatest social benefit will be welcomed enthusiastically at UVM.”
Born and raised in Chennai, India, Panchanathan earned degrees from the top-ranked Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras before emigrating to Canada, where he received his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Ottawa.
“America is the land of opportunity, founded on the belief that that no matter who you are or where you are from, if you work hard and have the right opportunities, you can achieve amazing things,” Panchanathan said. “I myself have personally benefited from this belief.”
Described by some colleagues as a “relentless optimist,” Panchanathan believes talent and ideas run everywhere, and transcend socio-economic and geographic boundaries.
“Across the country, millions of talented individuals want the chance to solve real-world problems and revitalize their communities, and we cannot leave them behind,” he said. “When we empower all individuals through equal access and opportunity, their ideas and successes benefit not only themselves, but their peers, their communities, and the entire nation.”
After serving on the faculty of the University of Ottawa, Panchanathan was appointed executive vice president of the Arizona State University (ASU) Knowledge Enterprise, where he was chief research and innovation officer. At ASU he also founded and directed the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing at ASU, which develops technology for persons with disabilities.
Under his leadership, ASU increased research performance fivefold, earning recognition as the fastest growing and most innovative research university in the U.S.
Prior to becoming director of NSF, Panchanathan served on the National Science Board for six years and has also served on and chaired numerous high-level research and innovation organizations. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association for Computing Machinery, and other prestigious science and engineering organizations.
He will be awarded a Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
Additional Honorary Degree Recipients:
Michele Cohen ’72
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Michele Cohen is one of the founding members of the UVM Foundation Board and, with her husband Marty, provided funding for renovations that created Cohen Hall for the Integrative Creative Arts. “I hope that this new facility will enable students to experience the joy and the freedom of art, and all that one can express through any medium, regardless of their course of study,” she commented at the opening of the new facility in 2018. Cohen has been the Chair of the Museum of Arts and Design since 2016. “She serves on the Alfred University Board of Trustees, the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum Advisory Board, and the board of the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, New York. Cohen earned her B.S. in early childhood education from the University of Vermont in 1972 and an M.S. from Hunter College in 1976. After beginning her career as a nursery school teacher, she worked at Cohen & Steers Capital Management for 18 years until 2004, when she retired. She and her husband, Marty Cohen, reside in East Hampton, N.Y.
Mark Levine, MD
Doctor of Science, honoris causa
Dr. Mark Levine was appointed Commissioner of Health by Governor Phil Scott and began service on March 6, 2017. When the world was suddenly confronted by an unprecedented pandemic in 2020, Dr. Levine became a reassuring voice for Vermonters as he calmly presented evidence-based COVID-19 updates and sound public health guidance. His leadership helped mitigate the impact of COVID-19, keeping the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Vermont at some of the lowest in the country. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Levine was a professor of medicine at the University of Vermont, a position he still holds. He was also associate dean for graduate medical education and designated institutional official at the College of Medicine and UVM Medical Center. Previously he served as vice chair for education and Residency Director in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Levine received his B.A. in biology from the University of Connecticut and M.D. from the University of Rochester. He completed his internal medicine residency and chief resident year at the University of Vermont, and a fellowship in general internal medicine at the University of North Carolina. At the nexus of Dr. Levine’s clinical, education, public health and advocacy efforts is his heightened interest in improving health at the population level through health policy directed at fostering a culture of health. As Health Commissioner, Dr. Levine takes great pride in leading the Department of Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission – to protect and promote the best health for all Vermonters – and is honored to represent its vision of Healthy Vermonters living in healthy communities.